Reflecting infinity in Maggie

Original one-of-a-kind illustration by Judith Parsons 2016

I am back home, in Savannah for the Wise man season. Where the women proudly wear their momma’s pearls and their raggedy jeans. Yep, the gorgeous peaches know how to work it! 

Tonight my sister and her daughter sat at the kitchen table looking through old photographs…remembering who we were way back when. God knows I looked good! (grinning) We all did!

You see, I grew up thinking I was always fat. I didn’t have great self esteem. I learned that from my mom. Perhaps we all took upon us our moms attitude - without really “knowing” what we were doing. If she was social, we became that. If she was always hiding from the camera, we did that too. There certainly is much to learn from our mother’s behavior.

As we continued through the photo albums I found photos of my ex-husband. I stomped my foot in regret. I took photographs of a strong gardener, a happy man. It brought back floods of memories, like a storm to the desert. It reminded me of who I was- way back when.

My sister and her daughter know me inside and out. They have witnessed my crazy Jekyll and Hyde moments, my overly emotional cry baby moments and they have loved me through it all. My niece connects with me, mainly because her mom and I have ALWAYS talked. At least once a week if not more, for 35 years. 

Admittedly, I was not a great daughter when it came to calling my parents. My ex and I moved all over the place, and well, I didn’t have much to tell. NOW, I get the whole- “pick up the phone and just talk”- and say nothing..just connect. Who knows what silly conversations will arise?

Because today, I sat next to a mom with a 2 month old baby. My heart was thrilled to be next to such young WISE energy. I wished I had been more connected to my mom and dad. Then maybe- just maybe my babies would be more connected to me.

All too often we push our children out of the nest. We want them to unfurl their wings, and soar. Yes, yes, yes…we do. Then they do. And we have to figure out what to do with the next years.

The illustration started out as crazy wings…and look more like palm trees. (laughing) My southern beach Goddess showed up…

Do yourself a favor- call your mom, let your baby girl see you happy talking to your momma. One day, she will be me, wishing she had been a better role model.

Thank you Maggie and Lynn…Such WISE women!! Woooohoooooo!!